When the president referred to the Rafale jet deal and the delivery schedule of the Apache attack helicopters, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was seen smiling and thumping the desk along with other NDA members.

As soon as the speech got over, Kovind walked up to the first row where Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers and floor leaders of parties were sitting.

He shook hands with all of them including Rahul Gandhi. President Kovind was accompanied by Venkaiah Naidu.

Once the president left the central hall of Parliament, all prominent leaders of the opposition were seen interacting with Rahul Gandhi who was sitting along with his mother Sonia Gandhi.

CPI's D Raja was seen hugging him.

Rahul Gandhi celebrated his birthday on Wednesday. On her way out of the central hall Sonia Gandhi came face to face with Union Minister Smriti Irani and both leaders greeted each other.

Sonia and Rahul Gandhi were also seen having a conversation with Rajya Sabha MP and erstwhile SP leader Amar Singh.

Congress lawmaker Shashi Tharoor, former Education Minister, was also seen having an animated conversation with Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, newly-appointed minister in the same ministry. Several lawmakers were seen using mobile phones during the president's speech including Rahul Gandhi.